“We partnered powerful artists looking to empower young artists in different fields of the industry.”
Old Mutual has partnered with artists in the South African music industry to launch a music hub, AMPD Studios, at the Newtown Junction Mall in June.
Monthly events include master classes and “hero conversations”, which are held at the studios and broadcast live on Metro FM, Afternoon Express on SABC 3 and Old Mutual’s digital platforms.
On July 17, DJ Shimza held the second master class, with the very first one being hosted by Slikour on June 12 at the studios following the launch.
Old Mutual communications manager Julie Hutchins told Wits Vuvuzela they launched the studios so that legacy artists in the industry can share their “very personal and raw stories and knowledge” of how to handle their finances and contracts as young artists.
“There is a problem in the music industry with artists making themselves all this money but dying poor,” Hutchins said.
“Everything is free [but] you need to be an Old Mutual Money Account holder to be able to gain VIP access to the studios,” she said.
Artists such as Khuli Chana, Letta Mbulu, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brian O’Shea and other icons will be nurturing young talent with the classes.
Rapper Stilo Magolide, who made his musical debut in 2007, said financial literacy cannot be taught.
“If you have somebody to advise you, then you will obviously manage your finances better. Advice is just someone’s opinion and it won’t produce the same results for everyone [because] financial management is a personal thing,” he told Wits Vuvuzela.
26-year-old Kgomotso Moloko, who goes by the stage name ‘Okolom’, said: “I checked out the studios and I really think they are going to help beef up the talent in the industry.”
The first-year bachelor of arts music student said he will make use of the recording studios in the hub and sell his music to pay his academic fees.
Although the hub is mainly aimed at helping artists in the music industry, it is also open to people in other industries to equip them with basic skills and knowledge to become financially educated.
FEATURED IMAGE: The legendary Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse (right) and Khuli Chana taking part in the hero conversation at the Old Mutual AMPD Studios in Newtown. Photo: Provided
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